eliya wrote:I'm jealous of you guys for breaking cymbals as I've never broke one and feel like a wuss.I've never broken one either. Now I did have a nice Zildy Dark Crash 18" once that was dented from being crushed by an Ampeg bass cabinet in a near-van accident. It got stolen at some point, so I never had the pleasure of cracking it completely.

buy it. you will not regret it

Whoa. These Paiste Giant Beat cymbals are something else. I'm in the market for a good heavy, but bright crash right now, and did a little shopping yesterday. Started with my normal comfort zone: Zildjian A's, Sabian AA's and AAX's -- even tried the reissued Paiste RUDE series I used to enjoy back in the day. Saw the Giant Beat and remembered this thread, so I decided to give it a try. Holy crap. I managed to talk myself out of an impulse buy, as I want to return with fresh ears to be sure it's the one, but damn -- that was one great sounding cymbal. Wouldn't be surprised if I end up buying it before the end of the week.

Ruy Lopez wrote:Anyone ever drill a vent in a bottom hi-hat? Result?I got a wicked good deal on some 14 new beats that a previous owner had drilled: four equidistant holes in the bottom hat, about 1.5 from the bell. It flexed. When stepping hard on the hat stand pedal, the pitch would bend, and it sounded like shit. Without hard stepping, it sounded fine. Anti-vacuum benefits weren't outstanding.

I was unaware of these until today: http://www.dreamcymbals.com/bliss.phpBLISS Cymbals are the flagship line from Dream. BLISS are vintage style cymbals with a personality all their own. Offered in even sizes, they are totally hand hammered, microlathed plates with a low bridge, small but clear bells and are quite thin. They are exceptionally resilient and slightly soft on the stick. The undertones are warm and rich, an edge of dragon s breath, but never overpower the stick sound. The separation between stick and overtones is clear and the pitch range is low and dark. These cymbals are exceptionally versatile and are suitable for all musical applications.24 BLISS Half Cup Ride The low profile and small half cup combined with a slightly thicker cymbal have created the ultimate BLISS ride.The stick sound is very clear, a little soft in feel but still responsive. The bell, though a small target is clear and pitched, never brash. The most outstanding feature is the simmering huge pot of broth that washes under that clear but complex stick sound when riding.The tones are complex but more controlled than the crash ride 22, but support the ride pattern with a warm intensity that can leap out with thunder when coaxed. The overtones are a subtle mix that won t get in the way of the rest of the band but also won t let the bottom fall out of the time. The time is supported on a rolling wave of surf, with a roar in the distance. 18,20,22 - BLISS Crash/RidesThese cymbals are tagged crash/ride because they are so versatile. Quite thin, they produce explosive crashes that get out of the way with medium decay, a soft but clear stick sound, unchoked musical bell tone and the most interesting, vibrant rolling sound we ve ever encountered. There is just a hint of raw ocean or chili pepper in the tone. These BLISS Cymbals are perfectly suited for all musical styles, especially Jazz, Blues, Symphonic, pop, just about anywhere that making a rich full bodied musical statement is required. Coming soon, 17 and 19 crash/rides.10, 12BLISS Splashes & 14, 16 BLISS Crashes These smaller BLISS Cymbals are extremely effective, responsive cymbals. You can play all our cymbals with just your fingertips or crash with your hands, but they are equally at home under the most driving stick. A little bit of that ocean raw trashiness supports the burst of sound when you play these cymbals.14 BLISS HatsThese are the perfect old 60 s hi hat sound. The ease of playing is impressive, a solid chick, expressive cuts and warm dry presence in the stick make these a favorite. Coming soon, 12, 13, 15 hats and heavy BLISS hats.

That bastard Faust in Milwaukee has some kind of sight-beyond-sight because he prophesized the cymbal he sold me on Saturday was going to break during the first song. It did.Never heard of the make before - Tosco. 20 medium-thin ride I got to use as a crash (sounded great). Later found Tosco was an Italian brand that was purchased by Sabian. The cymbal looked nothing like the Sabian issues so it must have been like 25 years old. I could not tell because it was in such perfect condition it looked as if it could have been made last week. Strange.

harrycaul wrote:I was unaware of these until today: http://www.dreamcymbals.com/bliss.php10, 12BLISS Splashes & 14, 16 BLISS Crashes These smaller BLISS Cymbals are extremely effective, responsive cymbals. You can play all our cymbals with just your fingertips or crash with your hands, but they are equally at home under the most driving stick. A little bit of that ocean raw trashiness supports the burst of sound when you play these cymbals.Ah yes, that raw ocean trashiness that's so elusive! Like washes of six-pack rings and syringes on a rolling surf.

bought my first cymbal last week: A sabian sr2 thin 21 inch ride. for it sounds and it looks, it was an HH. sounds great, very crashable and dark sounding.

My honeymoon period is over for me with the Giant Beat 18" crash. The more I play it, the more brittle it sounds. This more a reflection of the context I use it in, since it still sounds good on its own, but I would probably trade it for a Zildjian A now if I could.